The festive season is a time of joy for most of us, but for pets, it can come with hidden dangers. From food scraps to disrupted routines, Christmas presents a few risks that are easily avoided with a bit of planning.

Christmas Leftovers

The food we enjoy at Christmas is often rich, fatty, and plentiful. Many people give leftovers to the family pet, but not all human food is safe for animals.

• Remove toothpicks from meat or snacks before offering scraps. If swallowed, a toothpick can pierce the stomach or intestines and be fatal.

• Avoid cooked bones and corn cobs. Cooked bones splinter easily and can perforate the gut. Corn cobs may cause serious blockages.

• Rich food can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Even a small amount of ham, gravy, or stuffing may upset your pet’s stomach.

• Never feed chocolate. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and even two grams of dark chocolate can be enough to poison a small dog. Keep chocolate treats out of reach and off low tables where dogs can help themselves.

Holiday Care

If you're heading away for Christmas, your pet's care should already be organised. Last-minute arrangements often fall short, so make sure your pet is in safe hands.

• Book a boarding kennel or cattery early, and ensure vaccinations are up to date.

• Consider professional pet minders who can visit daily to feed and care for your animals.

• If a friend or neighbour is helping, be clear about feeding routines, any medication needed, and what to do in an emergency.

• Let your neighbours know. The SPCA receives many reports of neglected pets over the holidays, and most turn out to be false alarms. A simple heads-up can avoid unnecessary stress and wasted resources.

Pets Are Not Presents

A puppy or kitten might seem like a lovely gift, but giving an animal to someone who isn't prepared for it is rarely a good idea.

• Make sure the person genuinely wants a pet and has the time, knowledge, and money to care for it properly.

• Remember that cute puppies and kittens grow up. If they become unwanted, they may be rehomed, if they're lucky, or simply abandoned.

Identification Matters

With visitors coming and going, and doors often left open, Christmas is a common time for pets to go missing.

• Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with a registration disc.

• For cats, an elastic safety collar with your name and phone number written on it can help someone return them if they wander.

A little extra care at Christmas can keep pets safe and happy while the humans celebrate.